- A wooden Ark, originally a wedding venue, is for sale, seeking a visionary buyer.
- The 1251sqm property includes a dance floor, dining area, and chapel, with 860sqm of space.
- The Ark will be auctioned on March 28, 2025, offering a unique opportunity for transformation.
A Kiwi Ark has hit the market for sale, and the listing agent is looking for a modern-day Noah to take it on.
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The architecturally-designed, timber-clad structure on Loader Lane, in Sumner, Christchurch, is the fantastical creation of Gethsemane Gardens founders Ken and Bev Loader.
They built their multi-level Ark in the early 2000s and ran it as a wedding venue and function centre for around a decade.
After the Christchurch earthquakes, they sold the gardens and the Ark to a developer who transformed the land into the high-end Gethsemane Heights gated subdivision.
Wedding ceremonies were held on the top deck in the purpose-built chapel. Photo / Supplied
The Ark is built from wood and was the brainchild of Christian couple Ken and Bev Loader. Photo / Supplied
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty agent Rod Cross said the Ark was on its own 1251sqm title and was being offered up for sale.
“It seems too cool to demolish. It’s a great building, which just needs some fresh eyes on it.”
The right buyer would need to turn the Ark into a home as the property is no longer zoned for business. “We need a Noah 2.0.”
The current layout comprises a dance floor in the basement, a dining area on the ground floor, and the chapel on top which looks out to Sumner Beach.
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“The floor space exceeds 860sqm so there is a lot to work with,” Cross said, adding that the Ark could even be divided into apartment-style residences.
The one-of-a-kind property will open its doors for the first time in more than a decade this Sunday and Cross couldn’t wait to spend the afternoon showing people around.
He said he had spoken to many people who remember the venue fondly, telling him they had been there for christenings or weddings. “There are lots of great stories there,” he said.
The dance floor is in the basement and would likely be partitioned into rooms by the new owner. Photo / Supplied
A fresco depicting Noah’s Ark. The Biblical tale inspired the creators of its Canterbury namesake. Photo / Getty Images
Cross said it was difficult to put a price on the property, which is surrounded by modern high-end homes.
“I just encourage people to come and look at it. The owner wants to sell it,” he said.
“It’s an iconic building and an incredible opportunity for the right buyer to create something extraordinary.”
The Loaders bought the nearly 3ha Clifton Hill plot of land more than 60 years ago and set about creating a Christian-themed park, which included the popular Gethsemane Gardens.
- Lot 4/4 Loader Lane, Sumner, Christchurch, goes to auction on March 28
